Pisa and Florence airports face delays as new EU border system comes into force

From 10–11 April 2026, the European Union has rolled out the new digital border control system across the Schengen area, including at Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport.

While the system is designed to modernise border checks, its first days of operation are leading to slower processing times, particularly for passengers travelling to or from non-Schengen destinations.

What is the EES and how it works

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU-wide digital platform that replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers entering or leaving the Schengen area.

Instead of a stamp, passengers are now required to:

• have their passport data scanned
• provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial image
• register their entry or exit digitally in a central database

The system applies to short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is mandatory for most non-EU travellers.

Its main objective is to improve border management by keeping a precise digital record of movements, helping authorities identify overstays and strengthen security.

Why delays are happening

In the first phase of implementation, delays are mainly linked to the initial registration process.

For first-time users of the system:

• each check can take between 2 and 5 minutes per passenger
• biometric data must be collected and verified
• staff must assist passengers unfamiliar with the procedure

At busy airports such as Pisa, where several non-Schengen flights may arrive close together, this creates a bottleneck effect. Reports indicate that thousands of passengers may need to be processed daily, putting pressure on available checkpoints.

Similar issues have already been observed at other Italian airports during the first days of operation, where some passengers experienced long queues and missed flights due to slower-than-expected processing times.

What to expect at Pisa and Florence airports

At Pisa International Airport, longer queues have been reported particularly for:

• arrivals from non-Schengen countries
• departures requiring exit checks

The situation may be more manageable at Florence Airport, which handles fewer intercontinental routes, but delays are still possible during peak travel times.

Passengers who are registering for the first time under the EES are the most likely to experience slower checks.

Will things improve?

Processing times are expected to decrease in the coming weeks as:

• passengers complete their first registration
• airport staff become more familiar with the system
• infrastructure and procedures are gradually adjusted

For repeat travellers, future border crossings should be faster, as their biometric data will already be stored in the system and only need to be verified.

Practical advice for travellers

Passengers flying to or from Tuscany should:

• arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially for non-Schengen flights
• allow extra time for passport control procedures
• follow airport instructions regarding biometric registration points
• be prepared for possible queues, particularly during busy hours

Travellers using Pisa Airport, in particular, should factor in additional time until the system stabilises.

A transition phase for European borders

The EES marks a significant shift from physical to digital border management across Europe. While it is expected to streamline travel in the long term, the current phase is a transition period in which delays remain likely.

For now, travellers passing through Pisa and Florence should plan accordingly and expect longer processing times at border control.

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